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The Rockhampton community is being encouraged to join the statewide push to raise funds for people with breast cancer by registering for the 2026 Mater Chicks in Pink International Women’s Day Fun Run presented by Queensland X-Ray.
Central Queenslanders can help raise money to advance research and improve care for people with breast cancer by doing 5K Your Way – joining in with the Rockhampton event on International Women’s Day (Sunday 8 March) or running their own 5K between 1 – 8 March 2026.
Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland MP said statistically one in seven women in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
“For us locally those numbers indicate almost every family in the community will know someone who is navigating this disease,” Ms Kirkland said.
“The Mater Chicks in Pink event for International Women’s Day is a powerful way for our community to show our support. I encourage locals to register online and join this event!
“Taking part in the event brings people together to stand with those in any stage of their breast cancer fight.
“I am looking forward to being a part of this year’s event, if it’s anything like last year, it will be incredibly moving and full of energy.
“Let’s come together in any way that you can to show support for the women, men and families currently undergoing treatment, through better access to care, stronger research, and improved outcomes, let’s truly make a meaningful difference for Queenslanders.”
A Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton (MPHRn) team will be doing 5K Your Way along the Fitzroy River on International Women’s Day.
MPHRn GP liaison officer Mandy Matula will be there among the Sea of Pink.
“I take part in the Mater Chicks in Pink International Women’s Day Fun Run because the camaraderie is something truly special,” Ms Matula said.
“It’s the Mater community coming together with a shared purpose, supporting one another, and celebrating strength.”
MPHRn General Manager Allison Cassidy said money raised would help to support local patients and their families impacted by breast cancer.
“Mater’s Fun Run has helped us secure equipment like the Faxitron Trident HD Specimen Radiography System, which increases accuracy for people having breast cancer lumpectomy surgery,” Ms Cassidy said.
“Through the Fun Run, the community has also helped to secure a SOZO machine for Rockhampton, which helps measure cellular fluid in patients with lymphoedema – a condition which impacts 40 per cent of patients who have had breast cancer surgery.
“This year we’re hoping to raise $2 million across Queensland, and the more Rockhampton locals get involved, the closer we’ll get to reaching our goal.”
Rockhampton fun runners can join Mater People at the starting line at 6.30am on Sunday 8 March from the Riverside Park car park on Quay St opposite the Heritage Hotel, or do 5K anywhere and any way they choose between 1 – 8 March.
Register online before 13 February and receive 30 per cent off by heading to www.womensdayfunrun.com.au, and select 5K Your Way to register to join the Rockhampton event.
